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2017 Audi Q5 review

Research, photos, specs and expertise
7 photos

Audi Q5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Among the best for interior look and feel
  • Good performance on the road and at the fuel pump

Cons

  • Infotainment feels out-of-date and there's no USB connectivity
  • Lacks the accident-avoidance tech of newer rivals

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 26 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

2017 Audi Q5 is getting older, but there's still a lot to like

Audi isn't keeping any secrets: There's a new Q5 coming soon. But that shouldn’t prevent you from considering the 2017 Q5. There's a lot to like about it, even in the final year of this generation. The lineup remains much the same. The entry-level 2.0-liter turbocharged engine packs 220 hp, and the 3.0T above that is a supercharged V6 with 276 hp. At the top of the range, the performance-minded SQ5 delivers 354 hp and acceleration that beats all but a few rivals. There's a Hybrid model, too, if you want your Q5 with an electrified powertrain.

Trim levels are the familiar Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, with a variety of option packages that add luxury, sport, or tech equipment. On the tech front, though, you’ll be better served by newer rivals—even the optional, upgraded infotainment/navigation in the Q5 feels dated. If you can live with that, there's still a lot to like about the Q5, but we're expecting great things from its replacement next year.

All Audi Q5 years

What is new for the 2017 Audi Q5?

  • The TDI Premium Plus and TDI Prestige trims have been discontinued for 2017.
  • Q5 trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control and Rear Sunshade as standard equipment this year.
  • Full Leather Interior, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Premium Plus trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The Premium trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2017 Audi Q5 trims

Curious how Audi Q5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

2.0T Premium

  • Includes 18-inch wheels, aluminum roof rails, tri-zone automatic climate control, rear privacy glass, panoramic sunroof, electronic stability control with traction control, anti-lock brake system, and more.

2.0T Premium Plus

  • Adds 19-inch wheels, keyless start/stop and entry, rearview mirror with digital compass, driver's seat memory, heated front seats, and more.

3.0T Premium Plus

  • Adds headlight washing system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front and side sound-blocking acoustic glass, and more.

3.0T Prestige

  • Unlocks Bang & Olufsen sound system, MMI® Navigation Plus, Bluetooth streaming, parking sensors, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, shift paddles, manual rear-side sunshades, and more.

  • View all Audi Q5s in stock

Audi Q5 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Audi Q5

1. Light-soaked sunroof

2017 Audi Q5: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #1 | CarMax

Sunlight can have a transformative effect on the interior of your car, particularly for the daily commute or a long road trip. That's why a sunroof is a feature that often gets packaged into higher trims or add-on packages. But Audi made the Q5's panoramic sunroof a standard feature in 2016. So for stargazers, wildlife watchers, and blue sky dreamers, this extensive sunroof lets in just enough airflow when required, along with stunning views of planet earth rolling by.

2. Incredible acoustics

2017 Audi Q5: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #2 | CarMax

Want to enjoy some tunes while you drive? The crystal-clear sound of the Audi concert radio system is full of pitch-perfect highs and booming lows across its 10 speakers, which include a woofer and in-door tweeters. Looking for an upgrade? A 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system is also available, crafted to produce a finely tuned acoustic balance that adapts to ambient noise levels.

3. Black optic package

2017 Audi Q5: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #3 | CarMax

If you'd like character and individuality in your vehicle, check out the Audi Q5's optional Black Optic package—a low-key, high-impact offering for the 2017 model year. Striking features include a flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles and high-gloss details. You'll find gloss black elements across the exterior, from the front fascia grille and door surrounds to the stunning 20-inch titanium-finish wheels.

4. Luxurious fabrics and finishing

2017 Audi Q5: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #4 | CarMax

The Audi Q5 is a luxury vehicle, which is apparent when your passengers sink into its plush, high-end interior. Standard leather seating comes in a curated selection of natural colors, from light Pistachio Beige to intense shades of black. Complementing these tones are the standard and available inlays, which include walnut and ash wood finishes. The Audi Q5 features elegant luxury that doesn't have to shout.

5. Powerful engine performance

2017 Audi Q5: Reviews, Photos, and More: Reasons to Buy #5 | CarMax

For exhilarating acceleration and responsive road handling that makes driver enjoyment a priority, the 2017 Audi Q5 has two engine options: a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or an available 3.0L supercharged V6. Driving through mountain roads on your way to the lodge or campsite? No problem. Pick the Prestige trim alongside the 272-hp, V6 engine and you'll get Audi Drive Select, featuring settings for throttle response, transmission shift points, and steering assist.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2017 Audi Q5, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of BMW X3

The 2017-2019 BMW X3 is a generously sized five-seat SUV with a wide selection of engines and packages to choose from. The standard engine for the 2017-2019 X3 is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with exceptional handling, thanks to selectable drive modes. The 2017 base trim X3 sDrive 28i with the 2.0L turbocharged engine gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined.

The X3 is a great choice for long commutes that require some spirited driving.

2017-2019 BMW X3 base trim models include these standard features:

  • Simulated leather upholstery

  • Power liftgate

  • Rearview camera (from 2018)

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2017 Audi Q5 is a great car. Customers like the car's comfortable seats, smooth transmission, and stylish design. The car also has good gas mileage. The Audi Q5 is a perfect family vehicle with plenty of room for gear and groceries. Based on customer reviews, the Audi Q5 drives well in all weather conditions thanks to its All-Wheel Drive system.
3
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Audi Q5 an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi Q5 19th out of 29 among Luxury Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi Q5

Audi Q5 features and specs

Premium Plus 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

220

Torque (ft-lbs)

258

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

19.8

Wheelbase

110.5"

Overall length

182.6"

Width

74.7"

Height

65.2"

Leg room

F 41"/R 37.4"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 39"

Front tires

P235/55HR19

Rear tires

P235/55HR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

440/4400 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Audi Q5 FAQ

More about the 2017 Audi Q5

2017 Audi Q5: Reviews, Photos, and More: Color Options | CarMax

Exterior colors:

  • Brilliant Black

  • Cuvée Silver Metallic

  • Daytona Gray Pearl

  • Florett Silver Metallic

  • Glacier White Metallic

  • Ibis White

  • Lava Gray Pearl

  • Monsoon Gray Metallic

  • Moonlight Blue Metallic

  • Mythos Black Metallic

  • Scuba Blue Metallic

  • Sepang Blue Pearl (optional package)

  • Suzuka Gray Metallic (optional package)

  • Utopia Blue Metallic

Interior colors:

  • Black

  • Chestnut Brown

  • Pistachio Beige

  • Titanium Gray

Interior details

The 2017 Audi Q5 has 29.1 cubic feet of fixed cargo storage volume, but when you have to haul a holiday tree or an antique find, the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat can be pushed back to increase space to 57.3 cubic feet. Cushioned leather upholstery is standard, and comfort features abound. Front-row passengers have eight-way power-adjustable seating, while the second row has slide-and-recline functionality as standard. Three-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof ensure a bright and relaxing cabin for your whole crew.

Child seat details

The 2017 Audi Q5 is equipped with two full sets of LATCH anchors (upper and lower) on the second-row outboard seats, with an upper tether only for the second row's middle seat. Up to three forward-facing seats fit comfortably without impacting front-row passenger comfort. Rear-facing seats are best positioned in the middle seat.

Performance

A practical crossover SUV with performance chops? The 2017 Audi Q5 fits the bill. The standard 2.0L engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 220 hp and a zero-to-sixty time of seven seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The supercharged 3.0L V6 engine, available in the Prestige Plus and Premier trims, knocks a full second off that zero-to-sixty time, at six seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). An eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with Quattro® all-wheel drive is your launchpad for power. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic transmission and can achieve a top speed of 130 mph (according to the manufacturer, when new).

Emissions

According to EPA estimates, the AWD 2017 Audi Q5 base trim with the 2.0L turbocharged engine and premium gasoline has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 395 grams per mile. The same model running on E85 gasoline has EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 394 grams per mile. The AWD 2017 Audi Q5 with the 3.0L supercharged engine has EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 429 grams per mile.

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